Phoenix Rising FC to Host 2018 USL Experience

TAMPA, Fla. – Building off the success of unique events in Cincinnati and San Antonio, the Super Y League’s highly-anticipated 2018 USL Experience will be hosted by the United Soccer League’s Phoenix Rising FC.

The USL Experience, an elite multi-day residential event that showcases the Super Y League’s best players, provides high performers within the league and at the Regional Scouting Series an exclusive look into professional soccer. The program includes competitive training, games against high-caliber youth opposition, educational programming, access to Rising FC coaches and players and much more.

"My staff and I look forward to hosting the Super Y League's best players for the USL Experience at the Phoenix Rising Soccer Complex,” Rising FC Head Coach Patrice Carteron said. “We have some of the brightest and most experienced minds in soccer who are excited to pass along their knowledge of the game in an effort to improve player development for the country's top players in the Super Y League."

Established in 2013, Rising FC plays in the Western Conference of the USL and is the highest-level professional soccer franchise in Arizona’s history. Former Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba, LA Dodgers pitcher Brandon McCarthy, Kona Grill CEO Berke Bakay and an impressive collection of business leaders and international celebrities, such as Diplo and Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz, own the club. Rising FC enters its fourth year in the USL, which has been awarded Division II status by the U.S. Soccer Federation.

"No other youth league in North America offers an opportunity for youth players to live the life of a pro in top-quality professional environments," said Gordon Bengtson, USL's Vice President of Competition and Technical Development. "When you combine that platform with the chance to interact with world-class players such as Didier Drogba, Omar Bravo and Shaun Wright-Phillips, the 2018 USL Experience in Phoenix is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"Through their dynamic and committed ownership group, the club is building a very special project, so we are delighted that they will host the 2018 USL Experience. We look forward to seeing the Super Y League’s top talent rise to the occasion and try to earn their place at next year’s USL Experience through the Regional Scouting Series and North American Finals events.”

The 2017 Regional Scouting Series events serve as a direct path to next year’s USL Experience in Phoenix. Three events will take place in July: Region I will be held at the PA Classics Soccer Park in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, from July 22-23. Region II will take place at the Hope Sports Complex in Lansing, Michigan, from July 29-30, while Region III will be at the Indian Trails Sports Complex in Palm Coast, Florida, from July 15-16.

For more information on the Super Y League and to register for the Regional Scouting Series, call Director of Business Development Matt Reda at (813) 269-1358. To view the Regional Scouting Series schedule and overview, click here.